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Published on 1 Jul 2025 by Tina L.
As the school holidays draw to a close, many families in Singapore are preparing for the busy routines that come with a new academic term. From managing early morning rushes to keeping up with homework, enrichment classes, and household chores, things can get overwhelming fast, especially for working parents.
If you’re considering hiring a domestic helper before the school term starts, now is the perfect time to make the move. But before you begin the hiring process, here’s what you need to know to ensure a smooth transition for both your family and your helper.
1. Start early, don't wait till the last minute
The best time to hire is now. Hiring a helper isn’t an overnight process, it involves screening, interviews, paperwork, and sometimes training. The earlier you start, the more time you have to find someone who truly fits your family’s needs. Giving yourself a buffer also ensures your helper has time to settle in and understand your household routines before school kicks off.
2. Define your family’s needs clearly
Are you looking for someone who can help with school pick-ups and drop-offs? Prepare lunch boxes? Supervise homework? Knowing what tasks you expect your helper to handle during the school term will help you shortlist candidates with the right experience and strengths. Be specific during interviews so expectations are clear from the beginning.
3. Get familiar with MOM regulations
First-time employers should take time to understand Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations, including:
- Rest day requirements
- Salary payment and levy obligations
- Medical insurance and work permit processing
Staying compliant from the start builds a foundation of trust and fairness.
4. Consider a trial or transition period
If possible, give your new helper a couple of weeks to get used to the household before school starts. Use this time to:
- Walk them through your child’s school routine
- Visit school locations together
- Practice packing bags, uniforms, and meals
- Communicate any safety rules or emergency contacts
This transition period helps both you and your helper feel more confident when things get hectic.
5. Set expectations and build communication early on
Successful employer-helper relationships rely on clear, respectful communication. Let your helper know:
- Daily schedules and expectations
- Your preferred way of giving feedback
- That it’s okay to ask questions if they’re unsure
Start on the right foot by fostering a supportive, team-like environment.
6. Use tools that can help
Platforms like Ministry of Helpers offer time-saving features such as:
- A smart Household Scheduler to organize daily routines
- An in-app messenger to keep communication clear and central
- A Training Hub (in partnership with StepUp) for helpers to build skills in childcare, cooking, and more
7. Make your helper feel welcome
Small gestures, like introducing your helper to your children, showing appreciation, and offering simple tips on navigating Singapore, can go a long way in helping them feel valued and at home. When your helper feels respected and trusted, they’re more likely to thrive in their role and build a lasting relationship with your family.
Hiring a helper before the school term begins is one of the smartest ways to prepare your household for a smooth and productive school year. With the right planning, clear communication, and support, your helper can become an essential partner in balancing family life, education, and daily responsibilities. Let Ministry of Helpers be your guide in finding the right match: stress-free, reliable, and ready for the school year ahead.
You might be interested in:
Smart Home, Smart Help: How Tech Can Support Your Helper at Work
Celebrating Milestones: How to Honour Your Helper’s Work Anniversary
Planning a Family Trip? How to Prepare Your Helper (or the Home) for Your Absence
Cost of Direct Hiring a Domestic Helper in Singapore
How to Plan a Smooth Onboarding Experience for Your New Helper
As the school holidays draw to a close, many families in Singapore are preparing for the busy routines that come with a new academic term. From managing early morning rushes to keeping up with homework, enrichment classes, and household chores, things can get overwhelming fast, especially for working parents.
If you’re considering hiring a domestic helper before the school term starts, now is the perfect time to make the move. But before you begin the hiring process, here’s what you need to know to ensure a smooth transition for both your family and your helper.
1. Start early, don't wait till the last minute
The best time to hire is now. Hiring a helper isn’t an overnight process, it involves screening, interviews, paperwork, and sometimes training. The earlier you start, the more time you have to find someone who truly fits your family’s needs. Giving yourself a buffer also ensures your helper has time to settle in and understand your household routines before school kicks off.
2. Define your family’s needs clearly
Are you looking for someone who can help with school pick-ups and drop-offs? Prepare lunch boxes? Supervise homework? Knowing what tasks you expect your helper to handle during the school term will help you shortlist candidates with the right experience and strengths. Be specific during interviews so expectations are clear from the beginning.
3. Get familiar with MOM regulations
First-time employers should take time to understand Ministry of Manpower (MOM) regulations, including:
- Rest day requirements
- Salary payment and levy obligations
- Medical insurance and work permit processing
Staying compliant from the start builds a foundation of trust and fairness.
4. Consider a trial or transition period
If possible, give your new helper a couple of weeks to get used to the household before school starts. Use this time to:
- Walk them through your child’s school routine
- Visit school locations together
- Practice packing bags, uniforms, and meals
- Communicate any safety rules or emergency contacts
This transition period helps both you and your helper feel more confident when things get hectic.
5. Set expectations and build communication early on
Successful employer-helper relationships rely on clear, respectful communication. Let your helper know:
- Daily schedules and expectations
- Your preferred way of giving feedback
- That it’s okay to ask questions if they’re unsure
Start on the right foot by fostering a supportive, team-like environment.
6. Use tools that can help
Platforms like Ministry of Helpers offer time-saving features such as:
- A smart Household Scheduler to organize daily routines
- An in-app messenger to keep communication clear and central
- A Training Hub (in partnership with StepUp) for helpers to build skills in childcare, cooking, and more
7. Make your helper feel welcome
Small gestures, like introducing your helper to your children, showing appreciation, and offering simple tips on navigating Singapore, can go a long way in helping them feel valued and at home. When your helper feels respected and trusted, they’re more likely to thrive in their role and build a lasting relationship with your family.
Hiring a helper before the school term begins is one of the smartest ways to prepare your household for a smooth and productive school year. With the right planning, clear communication, and support, your helper can become an essential partner in balancing family life, education, and daily responsibilities. Let Ministry of Helpers be your guide in finding the right match: stress-free, reliable, and ready for the school year ahead.
You might be interested in:
Smart Home, Smart Help: How Tech Can Support Your Helper at Work
Celebrating Milestones: How to Honour Your Helper’s Work Anniversary
Planning a Family Trip? How to Prepare Your Helper (or the Home) for Your Absence
Cost of Direct Hiring a Domestic Helper in Singapore
How to Plan a Smooth Onboarding Experience for Your New Helper